Kitabı oku: «Behind Palace Doors», sayfa 3

Three

Sliding a hand down the fitted satin bodice, Victoria stared at her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The gown was perfect, and she was so thankful she’d made a handful of wedding dresses in her downtime just to keep on hand for when she decided to branch out and start a bridal line.

No one had seen any of the finished designs, but she’d told her mother where they were and to ship them all. Victoria had taken a couple apart and pieced them the way she wanted. Her mother had only grumbled and complained a little when she learned Victoria wouldn’t be returning to L.A. before the wedding.

And that conversation was a whole different issue.

Of all the times she’d fantasized about her wedding day, both as a child and an adult, she’d never envisioned marrying Stefan under these extremely strange circumstances.

Yes, she’d pictured a few times how it would be if they’d taken their friendship to another level. She wasn’t too proud to admit that she’d fantasized his kisses a time or two…and that was before he’d taken her into his arms and captured her mouth, showing her exactly what she’d been missing all these years. How could she delete that arousing sensation from her memory? How could she get his taste from her lips?

And why would she want to erase such pleasure?

Because he was a playboy, and even though she believed him when he said he’d be faithful, that didn’t stop his previous lovers from calling him.

So here she stood, confused, intrigued and ready to take a giant life-altering step toward marriage while two of Stefan’s royal assistants adjusted the veil around her hair. Another assistant stood in front, touching up her blush and powder for at least the third time in an hour. Couldn’t have the soon-to-be queen of Galini Isle looking peaked.

God, she sincerely hoped she didn’t have to do this for every appearance as queen. Thankfully Stefan had assured her she wasn’t required to do too much. Even though she was from an iconic Hollywood family, she didn’t crave the limelight.

“Ladies, could I have a moment alone with my daughter?”

Victoria adjusted her gaze in the mirror to her mother, who stood just inside the arched doorway to one of the many suites in the royal palace.

Obviously comfortable with taking orders, the middle-aged ladies scurried away at Olivia’s request. Once the door was closed, Olivia moved in behind Victoria and smiled.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

Stamping down any doubts that rose deep within her, Victoria returned her mother’s questioning smile. “I’m sure, Mom. Stefan needs me, and perhaps at this point in my life, I need him. He’s my best friend.”

“But in the past few years you’ve scarcely seen each other.”

Victoria shrugged. “Distance doesn’t matter. Not with us. You know we talk nearly every day, and it’s nice to know I am the one he trusts. We have a bond, Mom. A bond stronger than most marriages, actually. This is just another chapter in our friendship. I was engaged for romantic love once. This time I’m doing it for another kind of love.”

“That’s what worries me, my darling.” Olivia pulled the veil over Victoria’s face, then placed her hands on her shoulders, giving a gentle squeeze. “As a mother I worry your heart will get mixed up in this. He’s a wonderful man to you…as a friend. I worry that in the end Stefan will come out getting everything he wants and you will have just another heartache.”

She’d hadn’t told her mother she and Stefan had shared numerous scorching kisses. Opening up about that certainly wouldn’t alleviate any worries. Best to keep some things private…especially until she could figure them out herself. Arousal and confusion combined made for a very shaky ground.

“I’m not worried at all,” she assured her mother, knowing it wasn’t completely a lie. “He’s given me an open end to this marriage. I may love being queen or I may want to return to my life in L.A. once all this is over. We’ll put in a few appearances once we’re married and this will all seem legitimate. Neither of us will be hurt. We’re both too strong to let this arrangement destroy us.”

“You’re fooling yourself if you think this will be that simple.” Olivia tilted her head, quirking a brow. “I’ve seen Stefan’s charm, Victoria. I’ve witnessed how he’s looked at you since I arrived here. I’ve also taken notice how he’s looked at you over the years. He’s got an infatuation that I believe is beyond a friendship. There’s no way the two of you can play house and not get tangled up in each other. He’s one very attractive man. Lust clouds even the best of judgments.”

Intrigued, Victoria wondered just what her mother saw over the years from Stefan. Lust? Desire? This past month had brought to light a deeper side to their relationship. Beyond the steamy kisses, Stefan had been attentive to each and every one of her needs. He’d had her favorite foods prepared, would bring her a freshly picked flower from the gardens as she was working, insisted on breaks to walk along the beach so she could relax. He’d been the prefect Prince Charming…all because he knew her better than she knew herself in some ways.

Victoria shook off the questions regarding just how deep Stefan’s emotions were and the fact he’d made it perfectly clear he’d had thoughts of her as more than a friend.

“Mother, his appeal and his charm are nothing new to me. And no matter how you think he looks at me, I assure you we are only marrying for the sake of the country and to help launch my bridal line.”

Though she knew from his promising kisses and honest words that was false. But since she was still reeling from that fact herself, that was another tidbit she’d keep inside. She had enough “what-ifs” swirling around in her mind without adding her mother’s into the mix.

“Well, he’d be a fool not to think of you as more,” Olivia retorted. “And since he’s asked you to marry him, he’s no fool. I’ve always wondered if the two of you would end up together. I can honestly say this is not how I’d envisioned it.”

Nerves swirled around Victoria’s stomach. As if having the title of princess weren’t crazy and nerve wracking enough, she’d be sharing a bedroom with Stefan for months. There was no way to deny they had chemistry and no way she could lie to herself and say she hadn’t replayed those kisses over and over.

Victoria turned away from the mirror, taking her mother’s hands. “I’m going into this with my eyes wide open, Mom. With Alex I was blindsided, but Stefan isn’t using me. He asked for my help at a time when there was no one else he could trust. And there’s nothing that can damage my heart here because my heart isn’t getting involved. Stefan won’t hurt me.”

Olivia looked as if she wanted to say something more, but Victoria squeezed her hands, unable to discuss this delicate topic any further with her mother. “Trust me.”

With misty eyes full of worry, Olivia’s gaze roamed over Victoria before she stepped back and sighed. “The last time I was at this castle I was playing a queen myself.” She laughed. “I didn’t even compare to how beautiful you look. Must be the difference between acting and real life. I can’t believe how long ago that was.”

Tears clogged her throat as Victoria hugged her mother, not caring about the crinkling of the silk fabrics.

“You were stunning in that film, Mom. Besides, I’m acting, too, aren’t I? Playing queen for Stefan so his country will remain under his family’s control. Ironic, isn’t it? I always swore I’d never go into acting.”

Olivia eased back, placing her hands over Victoria’s bare shoulders. “You’ll be queen for real, my darling. What happens inside the bedroom may not be real, but your title will be. Have you thought of that?”

As if she could think of little else.

Okay, well that was a lie. She’d thought immensely about the fact her fiancé/best friend had her stomach in knots. On one hand she was thrilled to be helping him obtain his goal as he helped with hers. She found herself admiring him for his determination to take what was rightfully his. Most other times she didn’t think of him as a prince or king at all…and now, well, she thought of him as a man. A very sexy, very powerful man. Not powerful in the sense that he’d rule a country, but powerful in the sense that he’d dominate a room the moment he entered. He’d control any conversation, and he’d most certainly take charge in the bedroom.

And that path was precisely where her mind did not need to travel. She was letting her thoughts run rampant because of a few heated kisses. Very hot, very scorching, very toes-curling-in-her-stilettos kisses. Just because she’d once wondered “what-if,” didn’t mean that anything could stem from this arranged marriage. One day at a time is how she would have to approach this. She couldn’t afford to let lust steal the greatest friendship she’d ever had.

But she knew her emotions were teetering on a precipice and it would take just a small nudge for Stefan to push her over the edge and right into his bed.

“Stefan and I have discussed everything, Mom.” Victoria offered a comforting smile, hoping she wasn’t lying to her mother. “I’m pretty sure we have this under control. He’s assured me that he won’t let me get in over my head. I’m basically an accessory for him at this point.”

Accessory. She hated that term, but what else could a wife to one of the world’s most powerful, sexy men be called? He didn’t need her to do any public speaking or head up any charities, not in the short time they planned to be married, so the demeaning name, unfortunately, fit.

“I had to keep your brothers out of here, you know.” Olivia stepped back, smoothing a hand down her raw silk, pale blue floor-length gown. “They insisted on making sure you were okay, so I had to assure them I’d check and report back.”

Victoria laughed, turning to face the mirror and glance at her reflection once more. “You can tell my self-imposed bodyguards that I am not having cold feet and I’m perfectly fine. They should be worrying about their wives standing up beside me in front of millions of people watching on TV. I swear, last I saw of Mia and Charlotte, they were so nervous I thought they were going to pass out.”

“I’m going to see them now,” Olivia said. “They will be fine, so I just want you to concentrate and worry about you. This is your day, no matter what the circumstances.”

Olivia’s hands cupped Victoria’s shoulders as she laid her cheek against hers to look at their reflection in the mirror. “You’re beautiful, Victoria. Stefan may change his mind about you having control in the end. He may not want to let you go once his title is secure.”

“The Playboy Prince?” Victoria joked, using his nickname. “He’ll let me go so he can shuffle back into the crowd of swooning women and place me back on that friend shelf.”

Their kisses replayed once again in her mind. Could they go back to being just friends? Would she want them to? They hadn’t even lived together for their allotted six months and already she had fantasized about taking those kisses further. How could she not? They were definite stepping stones to more promising, erotic things.

God, in heaven. What had she gotten herself into? She swore she wouldn’t put her heart on the line again, but how could she not when Stefan needed her? Maybe she needed him, too. More than she ever realized.

Hundreds of guests filed through the grounds at Alexander Palace on the edge of the emerald ocean. Cameras were positioned at every angle to capture each moment as guests entered the Grand Ballroom. The world watched as the next king and queen of Galini Isle were about to wed in what the media had dubbed the most romantic wedding of the century. Obviously the mysterious bride angle had paid off.

Many of the headlines leading up to the nuptials had been amusing. Stefan’s personal favorite: Playboy Prince Finally Settles Down.

The media could mock him all they wanted. He’d show them just how serious he was about this wedding…even if the idea of being wed scared the hell out of him.

He focused his eyes to the end of the aisle and his chest constricted, breath left his lungs.

Stefan couldn’t think. At this moment, he couldn’t even recall the exact reason he’d asked Victoria to marry him, but he was most thankful he had.

She floated—yes, floated—down the aisle like a glorious angel coming to rescue him, wearing an original-design gown that dipped just enough in the front to have his imagination running into overdrive, while still looking classy. Two strands of pearls draped over each of her toned biceps, hinting that they’d once been straps that a lover had slid off her slender shoulders. And damn if he didn’t want to be that lover.

The dress cut perfectly into the curve of her waist and fell straight to the ground. A shimmery veil shielded her face, and Stefan couldn’t wait to lift it, to kiss his bride and get another taste of the flavor he’d come to crave from her lips.

Stefan knew his best friend was a walking fantasy that every man would give his last dying breath for. Well, except for that bastard she’d been engaged to. Stefan straightened his shoulders and smiled. He hoped the jerk was watching his TV and regretting letting such an amazingly talented, beautiful woman out of his life.

Victoria’s gaze met his, and Stefan’s heart clenched as a wide smile spread across her face from behind the iridescent veil.

“You’ve chosen a beautiful queen, Stefan. Victoria is perfect.”

Stefan merely nodded at his brother’s whispered compliment. Mikos Alexander stood as best man, and Stefan knew his brother breathed a sigh of relief when he’d discovered the country would remain under the Alexander name. Stefan had worried when his brother had married a divorcée, thus preventing him from claiming the throne, but Victoria was a perfect fit.

Never in his life would he forget how she’d stepped up to save him, selflessly and radiantly. Stefan moved forward, taking Victoria’s hands in his.

She squeezed them before turning to the priest. In a blur their vows were said and the gold heirloom rings exchanged. As Stefan lifted her veil, Victoria chewed on her bottom lip as if nerves were getting the best of her.

“You may kiss your bride.”

Stefan wasted no time in capturing Victoria’s lips. Though he couldn’t claim her mouth the way he wanted to, considering there were television cameras on them and millions of people watching to see how the Playboy Prince would act, he was still just as affected by that one, tender kiss as he had been when they’d been alone on his balcony and shared their first passionate encounter. He’d taken every opportunity since then to steal more…each one always sweeter than the last and leaving him wanting.

Easing her soft lips from his, Victoria’s gaze landed on his. “Good thing we’ve been practicing,” she whispered with a slight grin.

He smiled and placed a quick peck on her lips once more before taking her hand and turning to the crowd.

“I present to you Prince and Princess Alexander,” the priest exclaimed. “Galini Isle’s next king and queen.”

Applause broke out and Stefan glanced toward Victoria’s family seated in the front row. Her brothers were smiling, but a hint of caution clouded their eyes, and her mother, the grand Hollywood icon, had unshed tears and a smile on her face…a face full of worry.

Stefan couldn’t feel any guilt right now. How could he? He was going to be king and Victoria was going to stand by his side. Finally he could explore his feelings further because while he knew he wanted to be with her in more than just a friendly way, he also wasn’t sure just how much of a commitment he could offer after the six months if she decided to remain in their marriage. He did, after all, get his reputation for a reason.

Right now, though, he had to concentrate on his title and gaining his country’s confidence by eliminating the black mark over his family’s name. That was his first order of business. But seducing Victoria would certainly be a welcome distraction, even if a challenge, and one he couldn’t turn down. Especially now that he’d had more than a few tastes.

As he and his new bride made their way back up the aisle, Stefan beamed knowing he’d just married the most beautiful, intelligent, sexy woman. And for the next six months, and maybe even more if she chose to stay, Victoria was not only his best friend, she was his wife…and possibly lover.

Arousal shot through him. He wasn’t known as the Playboy Prince for nothing. Seduction had always been his partner in crime.

Victoria had never smiled so much in all her thirty-two years combined as she had tonight. Between the professional royal photo shoot with Stefan’s brother and wife and Victoria’s family and then of the two of them alone, then the grand parade after the ceremony where they were shown off through the entire seaside town, she’d almost convinced herself this was real.

Now they were at the reception back inside the grand ballroom of the palace, and Stefan held her in his arms as they danced their first dance as Prince and Princess Alexander.

The spacious room with high, stained-glass ceilings had been transformed from the ceremony and set up to host the reception in the hours they’d been gone for the traditional wedding parade.

A dance floor had appeared surrounded by elegant white silk draped between tall, thick columns. White silk also adorned each table, as did slender crystal vases with a spray of white flowers and clear glass beads in each.

Thousands of twinkling lights created a magical, fairy-tale theme. Ice sculptures and champagne fountains were in abundance. The ballroom had shifted into something from a dream and something fit for royalty.

And while so much beauty surrounded her, she couldn’t think of anything else but the man in her arms. Her doubts, her confusion, it all slid into the very back of her mind as the slow, classical ballad played and she swayed against him.

His warmth, his familiar masculine scent and the powerful hold he had on her all made her want to put her head on his shoulder and relish the moment. So she did. He’d held her numerous times over the years. But she knew in her heart this time was different.

With a sigh, she closed her eyes, letting him lead in their dance, and rested her head just for a moment on one broad, muscular shoulder. The man was the proverbial good time, but right now she wanted to just lean on him, to draw from his strength and courage.

Her cheek rested against his smooth, silky sash. Victoria had known he’d wear his best royal dress for the ceremony, but her Prince Charming had truly been a sight to see, waiting at the end of the white-petal-covered aisle. It wasn’t often in their years together she saw him in person dressed as a prince. Normally they were just hanging out in casual clothes. But with his tailored black suit with shiny gold double-breasted buttons, glossy black shoes, and a wide, blue sash crossing from shoulder to opposite hip, he exuded bad-boy prince. She knew beneath all the impressive gold buttons and fringe-capped shoulders lay a great deal of body art molding over and around his chiseled arms, chest and back. Sexy didn’t even begin to describe her man.

Medals, which stemmed from charity work to his family’s crest and various other ranks, also adorned one side of his jacket. The blue from his sash matched his eyes perfectly, and he couldn’t look more fit for a royal role than if he were the star in one of her brothers’ films.

The designer in her should’ve made notes on how well the lines were cut in his suit, but the woman in her was too busy admiring the view. Hey, he may be her best friend, but he was still one magnificently built man and she’d be a fool not to notice. But she’d been noticing more and more in the past month leading up to their nuptials. Was she getting caught up in the wedding, or was she beginning to see him as more of a man? He’d always been charming, but recently he’d become…irresistible. And her desire for him was starting to consume her.

The glamorous ceremony was something she’d remember for the rest of her life. With celebrities, other royalty and every media outlet on hand to snap thousands of pictures, the scene was something out of a modern-day fairy tale.

“You made a beautiful bride, Victoria,” he murmured. “I’m one lucky prince.”

She raised her head, looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Oh, I’m pretty lucky, too. I’m living every little girl’s dream by marrying royalty and living in a palace.”

“Only for two weeks,” he reminded her. “After our honeymoon phase, we’ll travel to L.A. I’m anxious to see you at work and visit with your family. It’s grown considerably since I was there last.”

“I’m anxious to get back, too, but I don’t mind playing hooky. Not when I’m living a fantasy life.”

“Speaking of fantasy,” he murmured, raking his eyes down to where her cleavage nestled against his tux. “Have I told you how amazing you look today?”

“You’re letting your reputation take over,” she joked, though nerves danced in her belly at the hunger in his eyes. “My eyes are up here.”

“Oh, I know where your eyes are.” He smiled, meeting her gaze. “But I’m enjoying the entire view of my beautiful bride.”

He wanted her and he wasn’t hinting anymore, which only made her even more intrigued.

Obviously the ball was in her court. Game on.

“And my reputation has nothing to do with what I’m feeling right now.” He pulled her body closer to his as he spun her in a wide circle around the perimeter of the dance floor. “Trust me, I’m the envy of every man around the world. I nearly swallowed my tongue when you came down the aisle.”

“As a designer, I take that as a compliment.” She laughed. “As a woman, I’m thrilled to know I have that effect on someone.”

He shifted slightly against her, a wicked smile on his face. “Oh, I’m not unaffected.”

Mercy. No, he wasn’t. How had this dance gotten so far out of control? And why did she care? How could she avoid the fact Stefan was so open with his feelings? Should she even attempt to hide that she’d been thinking of him in a new light, as well? Those “what-if” thoughts from years ago were now more realistic and…obtainable.

Did she dare try to move to the next level with Stefan? The idea made her nervous and excited and, most of all, curious. All of her giddy emotions overshadowed the fear and doubts.

Their wedding night was fast approaching. Only hours until the reception drew to a close and they would be alone. Perfect timing?

Well played, Fate. Well played.

“You’re blushing again,” he told her, stealing a quick kiss. “I know everyone is watching us and the cameras are still rolling, but that kiss was purely selfish. I’m finding it hard to keep my hands off you, Victoria.”

“Stefan.” Her heart beat against his chest. “I’m not sure…I mean, yes, I’m finding myself more drawn to you than just as a friend, but won’t taking another step here make this arrangement more complicated?”

“We won’t know unless we try,” he told her, nipping at her lips again. “I’d hate to let an opportunity pass me by. What if sleeping together is the best decision we ever made?”

“Is that where we’re headed?” she asked, already knowing what he’d say.

Unfortunately, she kept hearing her mother’s warning about getting her heart entangled in this man. Fortunately her heart had already been trampled and crushed, so there was no more to break. And she knew Stefan would never hurt her.

“How much longer are we staying?” she asked as the orchestra slowed the song down toward the end.

He smiled. “Anxious to get me all alone?”

Considering they’d known each other for so long and he knew her better than most people, he had a love for his family that rivaled her own and his loyalty to his country made her heart melt, she may have a little trouble avoiding his charms.

Oh, the hell with it. Why dance around this attraction? Six months of torture would be pure…well, torture. People did friends with benefits all the time, right? Granted she never had, but Stefan was special and he so obviously wanted her, which was good because she couldn’t deny it any longer.

“Maybe I am,” she told him with a grin, knowing she was playing with fire.

As the song ended, he pulled her close, close enough she could feel just how turned on he was, and whispered in her ear, “I’ve been waiting for you to say that. What do you say we go start on our honeymoon?”

And with that thrilling promise, he tugged on her hand and they slipped through the crowd and out the double doors.